ONDO: Okiti of Iju, Olowa of Igbara-Oke, others become First Class Obas, as Gov Akeredolu upgrades 100 traditional rulers

*Approves new 60 chieftaincy stools

*Says no closure of markets for traditional festivals without govt approval

*Declares issue of paramountcy still pending 

By KEMI KASUMU

Ondo State Government has approved the upgrading of 100 Traditional Rulers across the Nigeria’s South West state to different grades, which include, the Okiti of Iju, Ogbolu of Itaogbolu, Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko and Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Alara of Ilara mokin and Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu-Owo.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamdele Ademola-Olateju, who disclosed this after the meeting of the State Executive Council, also disclosed the approval of the elevation of 60 Chiefs to the status of Obas in the various communities.

Ademola-Olateju disclosed that the names and upgraded grades of the affected Monarchs will be published by the government in a white paper which will be made available to members of the public soon.

She who disclosed that the Council equally resolved and regularised disputed stools in the state, also added that the issue of paramountcy is still pending and awaiting the amendment of the State’s Chieftaincy Law.

Olateju said: “Some persons have been parading themselves as Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government and Olu of Igodanlisa in Okitipupa Local Government without the approval of the State Executive Council.

“The State Executive Council has decided that such persons be arrested and investigated for their infractions against the State Chieftaincy Law.”

The Information Commissioner also informed that the Executive Council has mandated that there shall be no closure of markets in any part of the State without the approval of the Governor.

“The State EXCO also noted the permit granted for the observance of traditional festivals in the state. The government hereby reiterates that there shall be no closure of markets without the approval of the Governor.

“Where approval is granted, such approval shall be limited to the Oba’s market alone, not shops in residential areas.

“In addition, we discussed the use of Yoruba Language in communication as government interfaces with the people and its officers.

“At the State Executive Council, we decided that we encourage the use of Yoruba or other native languages like Ijaw, Ikale, Ilaje, as the case may be, in our communication”, she said.

Corroborating the submission of Information Commissioner, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye said: “You will recall that sometimes ago, Ondo State Government set up Justice Ajama Panel to look into Chieftaincy Matters in the state in which the report was submitted about eight years ago.

“The Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration has decided to implement the report submitted by that Panel. This has given birth to the recommendations that have been approved by the State Executive Council, to the effect some Obas have been upgraded from grade ‘C’ to ‘B’, and some from B to A”.

The Attorney-General, however, said those promoted should await the government White Paper on their elevation which will soon be published by the government.

Also, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Akinwumi Sowore and his Energy, Mines and Mineral Resources counterpart, Engr. Razaq Obe added that government would make the recognition and elevation of traditional rulers a continuous exercise, saying the government would soon look into other cases which have not been attended to.

Those upgraded from grade B to grade A include, Owa-Ale of Iyometa Ikare, Ajana of Afa, Okeagbe, Alale of Akungba, Okiti of iju, Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Alara of Ilara mokin, Olujare of Ijare, Olowa of Igbara-Oke and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo.

Others include, Oluoke of Okeigbo, Maporure of Agerige, Eletikan of Etikan, Ahaba of Ajagba
Odogbo of Omiland, Larogbo of Akotogbo, Orunja of Odigbo, Halu of Ode-Aye, Orungberuwa of Erinje , Ojomo-Luda of Ijebu-Owo, Olupele of Ipele and Elemure of Emure-Ile, Olumoru of Imoru, Olute of Ute.